Govt working to return bodies of Bangladeshis killed in Middle East conflict: Shama Obaed

The government is making efforts to return the bodies of Bangladeshi nationals killed in the ongoing Middle East conflict to their families, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said today (11 April).

“Efforts are underway to bring back the bodies of those killed in the war, including Dipali from Faridpur,” she said while addressing a view exchange meeting with members of the Hindu community at her residence in Nagarkanda, Faridpur.

She also noted that the government is actively addressing visa complications and other challenges faced by Bangladeshi expatriates stranded in conflict-affected countries. “We are working to ensure that those currently employed abroad can return to their workplaces, including extending visa validity where necessary,” she added.

Highlighting rehabilitation efforts, Shama Obaed said the government is working to reintegrate returnee migrant workers and create new employment opportunities in line with the ruling BNP’s manifesto.

“Those who have lost jobs and returned home are being considered for rehabilitation, while we are also exploring ways to create new overseas employment opportunities,” she said.

According to media reports, at least eight Bangladeshis have been killed so far in the Middle East conflict. Bodies of five victims have already been brought back, one was buried abroad due to its condition, and efforts are ongoing to repatriate the remaining two.

Among the killed was Dipali Khatun from Faridpur, who died in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s Hamra area on 8 April while staying with her employer’s family.